In a deeply touching gesture of philanthropy, Chandrasekhar “Chandu” Thota, a US based Google Vice President, has donated ₹1 crore to the Sri Venkateswara Pranadana Trust, operated by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
A devoted follower of Lord Venkateswara, Thota visited the hilltop temple at Tirumala before presenting the donation to TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu. The Trust is dedicated to offering free, high-quality medical care to financially vulnerable patients, including through its Sri Padmavathi Super Specialty Hospital for Children, where over 2,000 free heart surgeries have been performed to date.
🌍 What This Means for the Indian Diaspora
For the global Indian community, Thota’s contribution is more than charity. It’s a reaffirmation of diaspora responsibility towards home. It reflects growing trends where Indian-origin professionals who have found success abroad are strategically channeling funds into impactful social initiatives in India.
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Community Health Impact: The donation will support expansion of pediatric heart care facilities and help TTD achieve its goal of a permanent hospital complex on the Tirupati–Cherlopalli highway, part of the ₹400 crore fundraising campaign.
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Tech Leaders Give Back: As a top Google executive, Thota sets an example for other Indian-origin tech leaders by backing missions that blend spirituality with tangible public welfare. His action aligns with global philanthropy trends where Indians abroad fund education, healthcare, and rural development in India.
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Diaspora Pride & Identity: Such contributions strengthen the bond between global Indians and their cultural roots. For many NRIs, this kind of giving is a source of immense pride, showcasing how success overseas can translate into meaningful change back home.
🙏 The Road Ahead
The Pranadana Trust plans to use the funds to finalize the design and construction of the new Sri Padmavathi Super Specialty Hospital, with completion expected by the end of the year.
As TTD steps up efforts to provide free medical care, donations from diaspora individuals like Thota play a crucial role.